Time and location to be determined based on participants preferences'…probably on the isthmus or the near west side. Starting date is Feb. 8, 2009; probably will meet monthly. Below is a tentative outline of topics. If you are interested in participating, please contact Bob Park at loonfoot@gmail.com or 608-273-8775. Include your preferences as to location and time, e.g., evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, etc. For more information about ethical humanism, visit www.aeu.org.

Ethical Humanism (Ethical Culture) examines life through the lens of human experience and searches for meaning within human relationships. It is part of that great and living humanist tradition which affirms the primacy and beauty of this life and this world, and which cherishes reasoned inquiry, the scientific method, and the creative vision of the humanities.

Understanding Ethical Humanism as a Religion

Deed Before Creed

Religion

Why the World Needs the Religion of Ethical Humanism

Human Experience

Naturalism

Nontheism

Pragmatism, Existentialism, and Process Thought

Humanism

Ethical Humanism

Intrinsic Worth

Act So As To Elicit the Best in Others and Thereby in Yourself

Love Life in All Its Particularity

Personal Living

Social Justice

Ethical Humanism Religious Identity Statement for the 21st Century

Creating Ethical Community: Faith in Human Worth

Eight Commitments of Ethical Culture
1. Ethics is central.
2. Ethics begins with choice.
3. We choose to treat each other as ends, not merely means.
4. We seek to act with integrity.
5. We are committed to educate ourselves.
6. Self-reflection and our social nature require us to shape a more humane world.
7. Democratic process is essential to our task.
8. Life itself inspires religious response.

The Humanist Way: An Introduction to Ethical Humanist Religion by Edward Ericson

The Greatest Idea in the World

The Birth of Ethical Culture

Ethical Idealists and Forerunners of Humanism

The Humanism of the Ethical Movement

Spiritual Values of Ethical Humanism

The Secret of Moral Creativity

Toward an Inclusive Humanist Way

Social Conscience and the Ideal of Ethical Democracy

The Humanist Way for Personal and Ethical Living
* The study group leader will be Ron Solomon, who has over 40 years of experience in the Ethical Culture movement. He is currently on the Board of the American Ethical Union (the national organization for congregations affiliated with Ethical Culture/Ethical Humanism in the U.S.) and is a vice president of the International Humanist and Ethical Union. (Ron and his wife Carol recently moved to Madison to be near the family of their son Brian, who is on the Madison City Council.)